Healthcare isn’t driving Washington’s agenda right now. That could change fast

Healthcare policy has taken a back seat on Capitol Hill so far in 2026, as lawmakers focus on other matters. But several issues are still unfolding, including Medicaid work requirements, a potential Surgeon General confirmation battle, and policy proposals that could advance or stall as Congress heads toward the midterms. Michael McAuliff, who covers politics and policy in Washington, D.C. for Modern Healthcare, joins host J. Carlisle Larsen to break down what to watch.